Dean Foils Insurgent Attack
Submitted by Kobus on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 02:06.
Greatest Hit
Well, I guess the cats out of the bag, regarding our newest DIVARTY hero, Dean Levy. Check out today’s Boston Globe or Boston Herald articles. Here's a quote from the Herald article:
After the explosion Levy explained that he dropped down into the vehicle, and saw some shrapnel on his arm, and said his face felt like it was burning. He yelled over to Rodriguez, "are you OK?" Rodriguez said "yeah", then Dean asked, "Am I OK? My face feels like it's burning". Rodriguez said, "Your face looks fine". It was covered with soot, and he experienced some second-degree burns to his face, but is recovering nicely. He spent two days at a hospital South of us. The first day was boring and miserable without a TV or anyone to talk to, but the second day, the PSD brought an iPod for him to listen to.
Dean's a hell of a guy, and extremely modest about everything(even while this is posted on one of the female doors). He's always sure to point out the other guys in the vehicle and the training and leadership that helped in the situation. As the PSD left earlier this morning, Dean stood outside in the shade to wave them all off.
BOSTON - A National Guardsman from Massachusetts is being credited with saving an Army convoy from a suicide bomber in Iraq after he fired on a truck carrying 400 pounds of explosives, killing the driver and detonating the load.
According to his family and military officials, Spc. Dean Levy, 21, a gunner with a Brockton-based Guard unit, was in the third vehicle in a convoy of five Humvees heading back to a base near Bayji, in north-central Iraq, on Friday.
| I spoke with Dean this morning regarding the incident, and even got him to pose for a quick picture. He was funny talking and joking about the incident. He went over the whole story. His biggest comment was how well everyone in the vehicle performed. Dean was the gunner with SPC Grubert driving, CSM Flynn in the TC seat and SSG Rodriguez in the back. Dean had his 240B pointed at the vehicle before it even started moving towards them, thanks to the excellent communications within the vehicle. Then as soon as the vehicle began to lunge forward, training and instincts took over, and Levy stopped/detonated the vehicle about 25 meters from their vehicle. Levy didn't stop firing or drop down into his vehicle until after the vehicle had exploded. CSM Flynn says SPC Levy's performance saved all four of them. Levy said "I knew it was a VBIED, you just know..." |
After the explosion Levy explained that he dropped down into the vehicle, and saw some shrapnel on his arm, and said his face felt like it was burning. He yelled over to Rodriguez, "are you OK?" Rodriguez said "yeah", then Dean asked, "Am I OK? My face feels like it's burning". Rodriguez said, "Your face looks fine". It was covered with soot, and he experienced some second-degree burns to his face, but is recovering nicely. He spent two days at a hospital South of us. The first day was boring and miserable without a TV or anyone to talk to, but the second day, the PSD brought an iPod for him to listen to.
Dean's a hell of a guy, and extremely modest about everything(even while this is posted on one of the female doors). He's always sure to point out the other guys in the vehicle and the training and leadership that helped in the situation. As the PSD left earlier this morning, Dean stood outside in the shade to wave them all off.
You are our HERO
Submitted by c.andrade on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 04:36.
Words can not express how we all feel about our new hero!! I saw this story on CH 5 last night and also they are running right now on the morning news. What a great story! I was so glad that no one was injured worse. Your parents must be soooo proud of you as we are of all our soldiers! Here is the link to the CH 5 story and they have also included the video....
TheBostonChannel.com - News - Local Guardsman Saves Fellow Soldiers, Commander....
Just copy and paste the link into your browser to open it up.
Again THANK YOU!!
You are all our HEROS
STAY SAFE
American Idol Hero!
Submitted by mackson6 on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 07:47.
Is this the Dean who had the singing video awhile back? Great job out there Dean. Thanks for a job well done!! You all are so amazing!! We love you back at home, and get back here safely.
Karen
Thank you Dean
Submitted by Tina (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 09:40.
Hi Dean,
I'm Tina, Jr's Mom. I just want to send you a Huge hug/kiss for being such an excellent soldier!! Everyone is sooooo proud of you and thankful that our soldiers have you on their team. You saved that Whole convoy and for that we are FOREVER GREATFUL!!
God Bless You!!
Tina
It's about time some good news is reported!!
Submitted by KDog on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 14:27.
When I came across this article in the Globe, I was so proud of not only Dean, but all of DivArty. Dean you are certainly a true hero and deserve every bit of recognition in the newspapers and tv. In fact it is about time the people back in the states get an account of the things you all encounter over there. You all deserve to be on the front page every day. Keep up the good work DivArty, we are all pulling for you back home. You are incredible men and women!
kristen
Dean Foils Insurgent Attack
Submitted by Cindy Lou on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 15:05.
Wow! Thank god that everyone is okay. I read about this story on cnn.com and USAtoday.com and they never state whose unit it was with. I'm glad to hear that this was a good story (finally) to read about. Be safe guys and we are very proud of all that you can do for our freedom.
Cindy Lou
or click this link...
Submitted by Garbs on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 15:10.
Hero
Submitted by mommy on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 16:09.
Dean, you are definately a hero to all of us back home. We are proud of your selfless concern and determination in making sure that suicide bomber did not get to you or your fellow soldiers. The fact that the incident happened makes me uneasy, but the way you handled it, gives me confidence. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your glory, you deserve it! Stay safe, we are proud of all of you!
THE 42ND AND DEAN ARE OUR HEROES
Submitted by NANSEE45 on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 18:49.
DEAN FIRST OF ALL LET ME SAY HOW GLAD I AM THAT YOU ARE OK. WHEN TROY TOLD ME WHAT HAPPENED I THINK I AGED ANOTHER 10 YEARS WHICH BY THE WAY DEAN I CAN'T AFFORD TO DO. I KNOW YOU WORK AS A TEAM AND THIS JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW WELL TRAINED YOU ALL ARE. WHEN BOWMAN CAME OVER AND I TOLD HIM WHAT HAPPENED HE SAID," I LEAVE THEM FOR MY R AND R AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENS THANK GOD FOR DEAN" I KNOW YOU WANT ATTENTION DEAN BUT NEXT TIME DO SOMETHING A LITTLE LESS DANGEROUS LIKE STEALING SOMEONES STUFFED ANIMAL OR SOMETHING! HA HA ALL KIDDING ASIDE..... THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR BEING THE EXCELLANT AND DEDICATED SOLDIER THAT YOU ARE. THANK YOU TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE 42ND FOR YOUR DEDICATION, CONTINUED HARD WORK, AND EVERY DAY SACRIFICES. AGAIN, OUR PRAYERS ARE BEING ANSWERED. CONTINUE TO STAY STRONG AND KNOW THAT WE LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!
dean levy
Submitted by Unknown Soldier (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 20:40.
once i wrote a note to a young man working in a convience store; i thought he was an outstanding teen,and noticed his manners and kindness were extended to one and all, not just his friends;he was going in the service he told me; it made me anxious,as i felt he was deemed to do great things,,i saw a fantastic future for him,,little did i know how it would turn out; i stated that i wished my sons would turn out half as nice as him,,i told him how great i felt he was,and how he was destined for only great things,,i pleaded with him not to go into the service,but to seek his fame here,at home,with his friends and family around him; so here he is,, dean, doing wonders far from home,yet still touching so many lives in so many ways; i feel the same now as i did then,,i hope my sons grow to be half the man dean has become; deb
Thank You!
Submitted by K. Bennett (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 20:47.
Dean, I just wanted to say thanks for what you did out there. I know you think you were just "doing your job," but we all know you did much more than that. You are all on my mind every single day, and I don't think my heart could handle any of you not coming home. You are all my heroes! Thanks again, for being the soldier that you are, and the friend that you are. You saved lives out there, and that will never be forgotten. Stay safe, and I'll see you all when you get home!
--Bennett
Another thank-you!
Submitted by trillian01 on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 21:19.
Dean- I don't think any of us will ever be able to express how grateful we are to you for your actions and dedication over there. I do not believe in coincidences, so there was a reason you were the one in your position...and you performed flawlessly. All of you over there are in our prayers all the time, but we will be asking extra blessings for you tonight! Keep up the excellent work, stay safe and enjoy yourself every chance you get! Thank you again for being a hero worthy of the title!
Blessings
-christine
(Todd's cousin)
Dean Levy
Submitted by mam busa (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2005 - 22:01.
I was a liite nervous when my son Charlie Busa told me about this on Sunday. I was just the reading the story in all the paper when he called to tell me how proud everyone is of you and we very glad to see that you accomplished your mission. Thank God there were not any serious injuries. It won't be long before you all come home.
Take care and be safe!
Love
mam busa
Thank-you for the support
Submitted by Spc Levy (not verified) on Fri, 06/03/2005 - 08:10.
Hey guys,
I just took a look at the comments that were put in and i can't say enough thank-you's for all the support i am getting. I am doing well. I just wanted to put a special thanks to family, friends and the troops over here with me for all the support they have giving me. Again, i couldn't have done my job without the training we do dayin/dayout. So thanks CSM Flynn for preparing us and keeping us all in line, to Spc Grubert for the great driving, and SSG Rodriguez for being my TC. Thanks guys!!! And for everyone back home; we will continue doing our jobs and will return home safely. Again- thankyou!!!
Ummmmmmmm yeah...........
Submitted by Spelling Police (not verified) on Fri, 06/03/2005 - 20:20.
"gorgus", yeah, ummmmm, what exactly would that men? And by the way, my main of public hair is a source of pride.
Briscoll, I am so sorry. I fo
Submitted by TOC B!@#h (not verified) on Fri, 06/03/2005 - 23:34.
Briscoll, I am so sorry. I forgot you were perfect. Please forgive my incompetence, Oh great WIDE one!
~Garbito
I read this article in the He
Submitted by Brian (not verified) on Sun, 06/05/2005 - 06:59.
I read this article in the Herald the other day but had no idea that this was so close to Kobus or his unit. Levy showed some guts and I hope the insurgents know that this is America in their country and not France. Good job kid and keep up the good fight.
Deano- I am so proud of you!
Submitted by Danielle (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 08:45.
Deano-
I am so proud of you! I miss you and will talk to you soon. Be safe. Love, Your sister, Danielle
Deano- It's 6-7-05. I'm at t
Submitted by Danielle Levy (not verified) on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 15:03.
Deano-
It's 6-7-05. I'm at the daycare. There's a picture of you on my desk. One of the kids saw your picture and wanted to know if your face got burned because you forgot to put on your sunscreen! Lol. I thought you'd think that was cute. Anyway, I always wanted to thank everyone one else who has had any part in OIF. You are all heros. I think the world of all of you. Thank you all for the support and love you have shown my family and Dean. I am so thankful your going to be o.k.(Even though the picture is a bit disturbing) I love you more than you will ever know. Miss you! Your big sis- Danielle xoxoxo
Irony sucks
Submitted by Spelling Police II (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2005 - 05:40.
Don't ya hate when you try to correct somebody's spelling and then go and misspell something yourself? I hate when that happens...
Hey Dean
Submitted by K. Bennett (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2005 - 08:04.
Hey Dean,
It's good to hear you're doing ok. I was in D.C. for memorial day, and decided to take a ride to Walter Reed Med. Center to see some of the guys returning from Iraq. After meeting with them, I realized how lucky DIVARTY has been, and how much worse it could have been if you hadn't acted as you had, and if your training hadn't been as good as it was. It really did make a world of difference. Some of those guys faced similar situations, and did not get out of them so lucky. Thanks again, to all of you, for looking out for each other. Come home safe!
SPC Bennett
Dean foils attack
Submitted by Gerry Flynn (not verified) on Wed, 06/08/2005 - 11:46.
SPC Levy,
Thanks for taking care of business and keep up the good work. My brother was home for a couple weeks last mmonth and had nothing but good things to say about his PSD---now I know why! Protect each other get back safe! Gerry Flynn
I'm so glad your okay
Submitted by Andrea Palma (not verified) on Thu, 06/09/2005 - 21:39.
Dean I'm so proud of you and i'm so glad your okay. Who would have thought you would be where u are now when we had that conversation about whether or not to sign up for the national guard. you made the right choice, i'm glad i backed out i doubt i could have been as brave as you were. nice work levy. ill see you soon! ~andrea
Hi Deano: As I read these won
Submitted by Madalyn (not verified) on Mon, 06/13/2005 - 18:00.
Hi Deano: As I read these wonderful messages with yet again, tears in my eyes, I hope that you realize how many lives you have touched. Not only with your bravery (as if that wouldn't be enough), but also with your incredible good nature and warm, loving, generous heart.
You and your buddies are always in my prayers, and you, my Deano, are always in my heart. Much love, Bucky
Dean Our Hero
Submitted by Barbara Holstein (not verified) on Thu, 06/16/2005 - 21:37.
Hi Dean..this is your second cousin Barbara. Your father is my first cousin. I have only met you a couple of times when you were with your dad over Aunt Dubby's house. Our cousin Madalyn lets me know how you are doing all the time.
When she told me about your horrible run in with the enemy it made me very upset but proud of you at the same time and also so happy that you were okay and not hurt to seriously.
I can not wait to hear that you are home safely from there for good! So please keep being careful and alert as you were so you can arrive home the hero that we are all so proud of. I will be praying for your safe journey home.
Love and hugs,
Barbara Glider Holstein
Dean Levy
Submitted by Stacy (not verified) on Tue, 06/21/2005 - 11:00.
Hey Dean, I'm one of the girls from Dr. AC's office in Pembroke. We saw Danielle today and she told us you are doing real well. We have been thinking and praying for you and are so happy to hear you are okay! I could not believe reading the story in the paper, after you had just been in a couple weeks before, telling me how excited you were to get back there. We are so proud of you for all that you are doing! Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration to all of us. Danielle said you are bored right now--STAY BORED!! and come home home safely!!!
Stacy
Levy Our Hero
PS Dean you know what you got to do now right? Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming........... :-)